"I didn't even think my life was worth living... BUT GOD DID!"

Hi, my name is Amorette and I would like to share with you my story. I grew up in a world of abuse. It all started at very young age and lasted very near to the day that I came to Freedom Village.

I learned to close myself off to people right away as a way of protection. I figured that no one could ever hurt me again if I just controlled the situation so I always kept myself at a "safe" distance. I began a life of masking. I knew what people wanted so I gave it to them.no matter what it was. I had to grow up fast so I could take care of and protect my younger brother and sisters. They looked up to me and I did not want them to experience the hurt that I had.

I learned to do what ever it took as a means of survival. On the outward appearance I seemed happy and quite content with life. I often heard people say, "she's such a happy go-lucky kid" but little did they know, I was a hurting, scared little girl.crying in silent tears, wishing for help. I was trapped inside wrapped in turmoil. I was imprisoned by fear and my total lack of trust. I couldn't even trust myself. I thought I had my life under control; But Satan has a way of blinding us to the truth, as he did with me. It wasn't long before I was ensnared in yet another trap. This time I became a prisoner to drugs. I knew they were bad but at least I was making the choice to do this to myself instead of someone else. I thought it would be "ok" because I could control what I did, but that was a lie!

I had no control of anything anymore. I hated everything and everyone,especially myself. The pain was so unbearable at times that I didn't even think my life was worth living any longer, BUT GOD DID! He had a plan. I was 19 years old when I came to Freedom Village, hopeless and helpless. And when I said that I didn't trust anyone, I meant that. It took me eight months to be able to open myself up to the vulnerability of love. It was a battle, but God was victorious. He gave me a whole new meaning to life. For the first time in a long time I was able to receive and feel a genuine love, and to open myself up to love others. My life has completely changed. I am now on staff here as a Dean in the girls dorm. I love the fact that I can give of myself to the new girls in the dorm and show them that there is hope in Jesus Christ! I am honored to have the privilege of shedding God's light in this dark world.